Hot weather, hot music and an extra day off for many adds up to plenty of entertainment opportunities across the First Coast over the Memorial Day weekend.
Here's a rundown of some of the best events from across the First Coast and the region.
Friday - Sunday; May 23, 2019 - May 26, 2019
Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Downtown Jacksonville
Live jazz performances will be held on the two main stages located in Hemming Park and near the corner of Pearl Street and Adams Street. The Jazz Marketplace will be located off Adams Street and will have local food, shopping and drinks. Admission is free.
Additional Information
- Lineup For 2019 Jazz Festival; WJCT Launches Pop-Up Jazz Station
- Jazz Festival Poster A Nod To City's History As 'Harlem Of The South'
- Jazz Fest After Dark: 8 Venues Hosts Acts 'Til as Late As 1AM
May 24, 2019 - May 26, 2019
Blue Crab Festival, 210 St. Johns Ave., Palatka. This event features live music, fresh seafood, carnival rides and over 100 artisans. Admission is free.
67th Annual Florida Folk Festival, Stephen Foster Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Sanders Dr., White Springs. A three-day celebration of music, dance, stories, crafts and food along the banks of the Suwannee River. Among the performers will be Tom Shed. He stopped by WJCT's Studio 5 Thursday with a music preview, performing "Davey's Cornet."
Trek Fan Appreciation Weekend, 516 William Ave., Kingsland, Ga. Tour a meticulous recreation of the sets used in the original 1960s Star Trek TV series. Fan films, such as Star Trek Continues and Starship Farragut, have been made at the working studio. The free event is being hosted by Neutral Zone Studios and Retrospect Studios. Times: Friday, 2-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday - May 24, 2019
Jazz Fest After Dark Presents, Downtown Jacksonville
Element Bistro, 335 E. Bay St. - Live music from The Jimmy Beats Band at 7 p.m.
1904 Music Hall, 19 N. Ocean St. - Live music from LPT and Nightcrawler at 8 p.m.
Bold City Brewery, 109 E. Bay St. - Live music from Kristen Lee at 8 p.m.
The Justice Pub, 315 E. Bay St. - Live music from Jax Jam Jazz Fest After Dark featuring Kiaya Cash
Island Girl Cigar Bar, 11 Ocean St. - DeSean Kirland at 9 p.m.
Saturday - May 25, 2019
Community Yoga on the Rooftop, 4972 Big Island Drive. From 10-11 a.m. Yoga 4 Change will be hosting a free yoga class on the Moxie Kitchen + Cocktail rooftop. The restaurant opens to the public at 11 p.m. The event is free, but donations are welcome.
Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville. RAM is every Saturday from 10-3 p.m. This event features local farmers, artists and food trucks from Jacksonville to St. Augustine. Live music will be played on the main stage, located in the back of the market from 10:30-2:45 p.m. Admission is free.
Memorial Weekend Fish Fry, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville. Hosted by Wicked Barley Brewing Company, this event will have local beer, fried fish baskets and live music from 11:30-7:30 p.m.
Jazz Fest After Dark presents, Downtown Jacksonville
1904 Music Hall, 19 N. Ocean St. - Live music from Stank Sauce at TBD
The Justice Pub, 315 E. Bay St. - Live music from Groove Coalition and Knight Krawler at TBD
Cowford Chophouse, 101 E. Bay St. - Live music from Akia Uwanda at 6 p.m.
Bold City Brewery, 109 E. Bay St. Live music from Shawn Pfaffman at 8 p.m.
Island Girl Cigar Bar, 11 Ocean St. - Live music from Dami Lipede at 9 p.m.
Sunday - May 26, 2019
Jazz Fest After Dark presents, Downtown Jacksonville
The Justice Pub, 315 E. Bay St. - Live music from Hendrix Vibe at 9 p.m.
Buggies On the Beach, Main Beach Park, 32 N. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach. A family friendly Volkswagen car show with awards and military vehicles on display. 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - May 27, 2019
31st Memorial Day River Fest, 106 St. Johns Ave., Green Cove Springs. The annual event includes arts and crafts, food vendors, a watermelon eating contest, pony rides, bounce houses and culminates with a fireworks display after sunset.
Memorial Day 5K, 2042 Park Ave, Orange Park. Race starts at 10 a.m. Day of Race Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Orange Park Town Hall Gazebo. Virtual race options are available for people unable to attend the event. Free watermelon will be provided after the race.
Memorial Day Beach Cleanup,Jacksonville Beach Pier. From 9-11 a.m., buckets and gloves will be provided to start the beach-wide cleanup. Water, Gnarbucha Kombucha and the Ugly Cupcake Muffinry will be free for all volunteers. Prizes will be given to volunteers that have big or unusual finds throughout the cleanup. Afterwards volunteers will get a complimentary beer or cocktail sample from Cutwater Spirits.
Memorial Concert & Picnic in the Park, 1620 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville. Located in Memorial Park this event will have live music performed by The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs, blankets and picnic food. Free admission. Editor's Note: Organizer's alerted us Friday afternoon to a revised time for this event, which is reflected in the updated copy.
Adventure Landing: Memorial Day Special, 1944 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Three hours of unlimited: mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, wacky worm roller coaster and frog hogger for $24.99. This special will go on for Memorial Day only.
WJCT's Bill Bortzfield contributed to this report.
Madison Roberts can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org, 904-358-6317.
